Chelsea suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Brighton in the FA Cup fourth-round match, failing to capitalize on their early lead. While Brighton showed resilience and tactical discipline, several Chelsea players underperformed in the second half, contributing to their exit from the competition. Here are five of the worst performers for the Blues.
Marc Cucurella - The left-back had a forgettable outing, struggling to keep up with Brighton's pace on the flanks. He was frequently caught out of position, allowing Brighton to exploit spaces behind him. His poor defensive awareness contributed to Chelsea's defensive instability, making him a weak link in the backline.
Moisés Caicedo - Playing against his former club, Caicedo failed to control the midfield battle. He lost crucial duels and was often second-best when Brighton pressed high. His passing was uncharacteristically sloppy, disrupting Chelsea's attacking transitions and allowing Brighton to dominate possession.
Cole Palmer - Usually Chelsea's standout performer, Palmer had an underwhelming second half. While he saw a lot of the ball, his decision-making was questionable, and he struggled to create clear-cut chances. His inability to break down Brighton's well-organized defense left Chelsea without a cutting edge in attack.
Noni Madueke - The winger had little impact after coming on, failing to provide the attacking spark Chelsea needed. He was easily dispossessed, and his dribbling attempts were ineffective against Brighton's solid defensive setup. His lack of influence in the final third made it easier for Brighton to maintain control.
Enzo Fernández - The Argentine midfielder failed to impose himself in the second half. His passing lacked precision, and he was often overrun in midfield by Brighton's aggressive pressing. Without his usual composure, Chelsea struggled to build attacks, and his defensive contributions were minimal.
Chelsea's second-half performance was filled with mistakes and a lack of urgency, allowing Brighton to take control and knock them out of the FA Cup.
Comments